I have a Burnmaster Eagle and I adore it, it’s in my top 10 best investments of my life. I’m only 25 so take that with a grain of salt, but it still outranks my college degree so… 🤷🏼♀️link to amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D56VN8F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_Y2D1CN3Z690FSMAWD3PT
This is the machine I've been using for over a year now, and I don't have any complaints about it. I think it the dial goes up to 100, but I don't ever feel the need to turn up more than 50 or 55 at most. The tips get red hot. It's a big improvement from the $15 starter wood burner I used to use.
Have you tried something like a solder fan fume thing? It has a filter that absorbs the smoke so its not just blowing around in your room
Not sure if that will be enough for your sensitivity but thats what I have
So you could buy one of those 20 dollar 1 temperature/1 cord burners and learn with it and practice your line work and shading on wood pieces that you could get from Michael's or Hobby Lobby really cheap. Or for bigger projects get a burner with a temperature control dial on Amazon. This is the one I have... And it works like magic. It has two burners so you can have different temp controls and not have to wait for it to cool down/heat up. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XK8R4HR/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_v8nJEb5ERZ48S
So if you're light on cash I'd go to antique shops/garage sales and buy old wooden items (if they're old, more than likely it's high quality solid wood.) Sand it down either with elbow grease and sand paper, or a sander. You can buy a sander for about 50 bucks or so. And wood burn them! Then you'll have a high quality wood burned item that YOU created :)
Hope that was decently helpful. Let me know it you have any questions...
I started with this one, which is great for learning how to handle the tool, different techniques, and messing around with heat settings. It's not the most comfortable pen, and it takes a whiiiile to heat up & cool down, but it gets the job done.
I upgraded to this one last year, and I LOVE it. The wire tips are so much better, the pen is super comfy in my hand, and the heat adjusts almost immediately.
Also, to practice, don't drop a lot of money on expensive wood until you get the hang of things. Basswood pieces tend to be very cheap and are great for messing around with - craft stores (and even the Dollar Tree if you're in the US) often carry packs of small basswood pieces. See if you can source "junk" wood from elsewhere, too! Whenever I hear someone is getting a tree cut down in their yard, etc I always ask if they have any extra pieces I could use!
Start with this one. It'll help you get a basic feel for using the tool, learning different techniques, and seeing what each tip does & how it works on different types of wood. It makes a great beginner's practice tool.
If you decide woodburning is something you love, and you feel ready to upgrade, go with this one . It's a really good middle tier burner. I've personally been using it for about two years, and I love it!
This thing has been great for me over the last 5-7years https://www.amazon.com/Burnmaster-HAWK-single-woodburner-PACKAGE/dp/B01MTOLJN9/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?adgrpid=132123112057&gclid=CjwKCAjw3K2XBhAzEiwAmmgrAl59P21IDLolxMGIGyfwjwVl0_SVxx1X8hTiBlzGSiC-DKT5p8eHUBoCL3MQAvD_BwE&hvadid=605213554685&hv...
Hey! Thank you SO much for your really helpful response. That makes a ton of sense on it being a puddy, I was so confused on what was going on. I can definitely get something to match like you suggested, I’m glad it was not just something I was doing 😅
For the shading, I’m using a shading nib on a Spirit Stream Professional Pyrography Kit: https://us.amazon.com/Spirit-Stream-Embossing-Pyrography-Woodburning/dp/B07D1D1QTH
I’ll turn it on lower and go on circles like you suggested. I really appreciate your help!
Something like this? Beipoo 3 Packs 31"x 8" Blank Skateboard Deck,Natural,7-Layer Maple Double Tail Skateboard with Free Grip Tape and Sandpaper,Great for Replacement and Decorate It Yourself https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MDYX4BY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_56NQSW491DGPRM0RWGEG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Try using the phrase skateboard blank deck when searching🙂
I use the Walnut Hollow Versa-Tool. It shows up at Amazon for about $50 cdn, but I think I bought it for less at Michaels. It is a great tool for beginners, to become accustomed to different tips and temperature adjustments.
Just be careful changing hot tips, as over tightening them can damage the threads.
Sounds like you are on the same course as me. Started with the Oak Hollow pen, then upgraded to the same Oak Hollow you reference. Limited tips and heat, upgraded to this one and love it. Way more flexible with tip, and heat.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W6QLV8V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
YIHUA 939-II Wood Burning Station with Adjustable Temperature, Soft Grip Wood Burning Pen, 20 Wire Nibs, Safe Holder, for Wood Burning Stencil-Cutting and Leather Embossing https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08YDQZBGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_W4KSNBZZ2CTDPRND0ES9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is something I got for myself, and it made a huge difference! It’s not the most expensive thing you can get, but definitely worth it and more advanced. I hope that helps x
The burner I use is this one: Walnut Hollow Creative Woodburner Wire Tip Wood Burning Tool, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GHJYBNQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FF61RK6Y2S1TB8XWF3WR
And the tip I used was the ball tip shader mostly.
I started out with one of those shitty $20 heated pens that just plug in. They suck and will burn your fingers.
The one I use is this one from Amazon: Walnut Hollow Creative Woodburner Wire Tip Wood Burning Tool, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GHJYBNQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FF61RK6Y2S1TB8XWF3WR and I LOVE IT.
I did teach myself through YouTube videos and just picking easy stuff to trace and just jumped in. Gradually I found techniques that work well and a lot that don’t lol.
And thank you!
I use the truart professional duel pen burner. I've had mine for 4 years now and I love it! Mine came with 25 tips and I've purchased multiple others since then. Love that the truart can use other brand tips as well!
TRUArt Stage 2 Dual Pen Professional Woodburning Detailer 60W Tool with Digital Temperature Control, 40 Tips and Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5PXZ31/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_QB1MERWC30MF6HRHD3BN
Get something with adjustable heat. I found mine on Amazon, doesn't have a brand and it's just a cheaper one but it works great. Works better than my 2 old walnut hollows. It has duel plugs with 2 pens and you can change back and forth with the flip of a switch. Digital read out of the temp is really nice too. I found one on Amazon, something like this https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Professional-Burner-Pyrography-Beginners/dp/B08ZLKRXDB/ref=mp_s_a_1_30?crid=UXS0JX52IA4P&keywords=wood+burner&qid=1640275708&sprefix=wood+burner%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-30
It has many different tips to choose from. With the 2 pens you can use 2 different tips and not have to wait for it to cool off before changing them, just switch to the left mode or right mode. Happy burning!
Thanks and of course! I used this tip. It came with this TEKCHIC wood burning kit. I've seen other tips that look like blades and they probably produce a finer line but I was happy with how this one turned out. The line also depends on the temperature you use. I had my tip around 40-50 Watts for the text and outline of the wings. For the wings themselves, I was at around 60-70 Watts. Using a lower temperature is good for these outlines since higher temperatures tend to also tan the wood around the area you are burning so you can't really get fine lines like these. Even with this tip and my temperature, I ended up doing multiple passthroughs
I think I found the middle ground. I've used this set up for over 2 years so can vouch for it's efficacy. The trick is that heating units are more or less the same it's to tips that matter. And the tips at colwood fit a cheaper heating unit.
Buy the walnut hollow creative versa tool Every now and again home Depot will have it for $50 and Michaels will match any price.
Buy the tips at https://woodburning.com/products/rt-hr-3-16?variant=12982428401733
They fit and heat just fine and the cheap walnut hole unit really does a good job of controlling the heat
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HVZR3DI/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_34NM83ZFVBHSPDWQ6TRD
This is what I use I the kitchen, but I also use it for some other woodburning effects on large pieces of wood.
You can also get MAP gas at any hardware or automotive store, it will burn hotter than the butane.
It does! You can always invest in something like this😀 Safe ‘n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel, Strips 15+ Layers of Paint Safely, No Hazardous Fumes, Non-Toxic, Citrus Orange Scent (32 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PHVJNDJ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_9MZ0NNW504N4HH19XDQJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thank you so much! The name of the kit is Winons wood burning kit. I'll leave the link to it below.
Thrift shops can actually be a great place to find unfinished wood pieces!
Amazon is another great place: Cooyeah 12 Piece Unfinished Wood Treasure Chest Decorate Wooden Mini Treasure Boxes with Locking Clasp for DIY Projects,Home Decor,Party Favors,Props,3.8x2.1x1.8 inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083NKMJHT/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_7A86HWVEDSE04KDA5S56
I just bought one of these that comes today, it's supposed to be really good (I bought it for $160 from LI Wood Working Supply with a case and 2 extra tips but idk if they ship to CA).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003J866R6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_W6H44AM7G9TSCY9BWAYM
I have the Walnut Hallow Versa and tried the wire tip Creative and hated it, it doesn't get hot enough.
This is a single pen(I use the duel pen) I've had mine for about 3.5 years now and I cannot tell you how much I love mine! This would be my recommendation: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5DHJMV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_FH976WQAAA7JHHQPX04X
If you purchase sets like this one, you'll get those tips :) TRUArt Heavy Duty Rugged 20pcs Wire Nibs/Tips for 60W TRUArt Wood Burning Detailer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JREDDKI/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_DP22RQG5B2E9QWJ4M445?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got this kit and had the same problem, I’m convinced it was missing a piece!! Im still a beginner but I upgraded to this one and strongly recommend it!!
They're amazing! I have 2 different sets of these and i love them! I suggest getting them at hobby lobby.... they have a40% off coupon on their website you can use any time! It's also on their app :)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4BG78H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_nMxUFbSQDDPF2
Oh, I love the idea of a multi-media mosaic with wood burning elements! I hope you share your work if you're comfortable with that. The idea sounds great. I really love multi-media pieces in general.
Also, I am more than happy to share the sealant I use. I have tried to use liquid shellac and I struggle with ruining my brushes a lot because I don't have thinner.
I use this kind now, which is a spray: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Z8DGJE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_-fjTFb24HNMTN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I apply 3 coats and wait 1.5 hours between applications. I will say there's a 'skill' to the amount of spray to apply, which takes some trial and error. Too much and it runs, too little and the wood shows unevenly. Also, if anything blows into it while it's drying it's there forever ( hair, dirt, etc.). It is food safe though if you wanted it for that purpose.
The Creative Woodburner from Walnut Hollow is what I started with and it's the one I use the most. It's very versatile, has temp control, and you can change the points very quickly. I also have the Versa Tool that was mentioned below; it's cheaper and comes with a case, which makes it a sweet starter tool.
Additionally, get her lots of patterns! (Amazon has many books on pyrography but "grownup" coloring books are fantastic resources, too.) Carbon paper is a must as well for easily transferring those designs onto the wood.
Right now, Walnut Hollow is also having a 40% off sale w/code WBCVIP40 in case you want to get her planks or rounds to burn on. They may or may not get here on time for V-Day so try Michaels or Amazon.
And because by the time she gets the goodies Feb won't be over, have her follow the hashtag #BurntFebruary on Instagram: It's a challenge where every other day pyrographers all over create/share their projects inspired by a particular word (Love, Animal, First Project, etc.). It's a great source for inspiration and ideas.
(Random but also along those lines: For more inspiration to gift her, look up the hashtag #BurntOctober [same concept as above but different prompts] and maybe try making a book with the projects from that hashtag like with Chatbooks, which I think may do it automatically.)
Yeah I just had like a cheap $10 pen from Michael's but I recently got this one from Amazon. I feel like the lines are smoother, I can hold my hand closer to the tip which gives me more control, and the temperature dial is a game changer. (I know you can buy cheap pens with temperature dials but mine didn't have one, it was simply on/off.)
I have the Walnut Hallow set which comes with 11 different tips so it’s great for experimenting with them to see what works for you! It’s $17.50 on amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005P1TRAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bXZGEbBZX89DA
This is what I have been using. https://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-41992-Creative-Woodburner/dp/B07GHJYBNQ/ref=pd_sbs_201_18?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07GHJYBNQ&pd_rd_r=92927ed4-1f36-11e9-944e-278ce23a35b5&pd_rd_w=xUAlP&pd_rd_wg=lkjy1&pf_rd_p=7d5d9c3c-5e01-44...
But I feel like the one you are using may be better for me.